There’s no time like the present to get more women interested in politics, and running for office, say two Barrie councillors.
Ann-Marie Kungl and Natalie Harris say the 2022 city election isn’t far away.
“While we are two years out from our next municipal election, it is not too soon to start the conversation,” Kungl said. “It is well-reported by women that they’ve often needed to be asked multiple times or need to be convinced to run for office.”
In Barrie’s 2018 city election, for mayor and council, 30 men and 11 women ran for office. And in the February 2020 Ward 3 byelection, five of the candidates were men, three were women. Even with Kungl winning the Ward 3 byelection, nine of Barrie’s councillors are men and two are women.
“In 2020, we are no further ahead in Barrie to reducing a gender parity gap on council,” Kungl said.
In Ontario’s 2018 municipal elections, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario says 27.2 per cent of the candidates were women and, of those candidates, 29.4 per cent of them were elected or acclaimed.
“I think having more women run for office can translate into having more women elected to office and, at minimum, it can shift the conversations during campaigns and influence elected representatives,” Kungl said. “More women running for council, on council and on city committees and advisory councils, will add diverse perspectives to decision-making that could improve policies and bring new ideas to the table.”
Harris says she decided to run for Barrie city council in 2017 after learning so much about the role while attending a local women in politics meeting facilitated by CFB Borden Honorary Col. Jennifer Armstrong.
“Groups such as this are beneficial to anyone interested in a political career, as they provide a forum to discuss concerns about things such as the large time commitment required to run for election and to perform the role while already facing time constraints which naturally go along with raising a family,” Harris said.
“I think it’s important to highlight that there have been women with very large families on city council,” she added. “So like any career, if you want to pursue one in politics, I say go for it! It may not be easy, but it’s definitely possible.
“Yes, having more women run for election provides residents with more female options, but I am always certain to point out that my male city council counterparts are equally as qualified to hold this role. I think that most people vote on all aspects and qualifications of an individual, not just on their gender,” Harris said.
Mayor Jeff Lehman says the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) encourages women to run for office and tries to remove barriers.
“It’s still, unfortunately, the level of government that has the lowest level of (female) elected officials,” he said of municipalities.
Through its women in local government initiatives, FCM says it helps support women from all backgrounds increase their knowledge and become leaders in their communities through education, training and workshops.
“I will be leveraging several resources and reaching out to local champions to collaborate on developing a strategy that supports informing, empowering and engaging women in considering and planning to run in the 2022 municipal election,” Kungl said. “We know there are many factors that may deter women from participating in electoral politics and we can start working on addressing them.
“Access to role models, mentorship and networking opportunities at formal and grassroots levels are reported as being an important part of a women’s decision to run for office and can increase their confidence and willingness to take this step,” she added.
Harris says there are many local examples of women who are successful leaders, such as Barrie Police Chief Kimberley Greenwood, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre president and CEO Janice Skot, and Georgian College president and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes. Many managers with the City of Barrie are also women, Harris said.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
